2025
Pitara — A Box of Memories
Prayas Theatre's 20th anniversary celebration. A three-night run at TAPAC that played to near-capacity audiences, bringing together artists from acros
Learn More →
English-language South Asian theatre · Auckland, Aotearoa
20 Years of South Asian
Theatre in Aotearoa
Stories that bridge cultures and bring communities together.
Latest Production
Pitara — A Box of Memories
Our 20th anniversary celebration. Three sold-out nights at TAPAC, bringing together artists from across our history in a joyous celebration of two decades of South Asian theatre.
Audiences were delighted, moved to tears, and left in splits — eventually ending on a note of hopeful contemplation.
Explore Pitara
"The ensemble cast knocked it out of the park… this community has always morphed to fill needs, whether it be giving heart and culture back to young professionals seeking something deeper to be part of, or growing arts practitioners to tell their own stories."
— Renee Liang
"What a show! In a short span of time Prayas has unsurprisingly managed to pull something nostalgic together that hits all the right notes. Band is a magical touch."
— Natasha Iyer
"So heartwarming and awesome… Prayas has been such a crucial trailblazer for the South Asian community, and the wider Asian community in general, to fight for representation and our stories to be heard and welcomed in Aotearoa."
— Alyssa Medel
"Congratulations on 20 years and on Pitārā! What a beautiful collection of memories you put together. You have created a wonderful community, and it showed at the performance."
— Pene Lister, Indian Ink Theatre
Who We Are
Aotearoa's Home for South Asian Theatre
For over two decades, Prayas Theatre has been bringing South Asian stories to New Zealand stages. From intimate community workshops to full-scale theatrical productions, we create spaces where cultures meet, artists grow, and audiences discover something new.
Our StoryOur Work
From Our Stage
2025
2024
Tiffin Box
21 artists. 11 pieces. A smorgasbord of South Asian performance at Basement Theatre.
Learn More →
2022
Dhaba on Devon Avenue
Dhaba on Devon Avenue plays 31st March & 1st April 2023 Artworks Theatre, 2 Korora Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Learn More →
2021
First World Problems 3.0
Your favourite subversive South Asian anthology which returns this year with a brand-new collection of bite-sized plays. After two sell-out seasons, P
Learn More →
20+
Years
13+
Productions
100+
Artists Supported
3
Sold-Out Nights — Pitara 2025
Community Voices
What Prayas Means to Us
"Prayas gave me my first stage. I walked in with zero experience and walked out a performer. This community doesn't just welcome you — it transforms you."
— [Performer name TBC]
Performer
"I'm not South Asian, but Prayas made me feel like family from day one. The stories they tell are universal — about love, identity, belonging. Everyone should experience this."
— [Audience member name TBC]
Audience Member
"Volunteering backstage at Prayas has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The energy, the passion, the community — there's nothing else like it in Auckland."
— [Volunteer name TBC]
Volunteer
Get Involved
Join Our Community
Perform With Us
Actors, directors, designers, musicians — all experience levels welcome. Our rehearsal rooms are where careers begin.
Find Out MoreSupport Our Mission
Become a patron, join as a member, or volunteer your skills. Every bit of support keeps South Asian stories alive on Aotearoa's stages.
Become a PatronStay Connected
Get news about upcoming shows, auditions, workshops, and community events delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe